Schefflera Arboricola 'Umbrella'
Schefflera arboricola, commonly known as the umbrella plant or dwarf schefflera, is a versatile evergreen shrub that thrives in both indoor and outdoor settings. Native to Taiwan, this plant can grow 10 to 25 feet tall in tropical climates, often found growing as an epiphyte in the wild. As a houseplant, it typically reaches a more manageable height of 3 to 6 feet, featuring glossy, compound palmate leaves with 7 to 9 obovate-oblong leaflets. Though it rarely flowers indoors, tiny red flowers may appear in summer outdoors, followed by round orange drupes that mature to black.
Common Name: Umbrella Plant, Dwarf Schefflera
Scientific Name: Schefflera arboricola
Plant Type: Evergreen Shrub, House Plant
Pet Friendly: No
Kid Friendly: No
Air Purifier: Moderate
Light Preference:
Schefflera arboricola thrives in bright, indirect light when grown indoors. It can tolerate full sun outdoors but benefits from protection during the hottest parts of the day. For indoor plants, place them near east, west, or southern windows, but avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.
Watering Needs:
Water moderately during the growing season, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering from fall to late winter as the plant's growth slows. Overwatering or underwatering can lead to leaf drop, so it's crucial to find a balance. Indoor plants benefit from increased humidity, which can be achieved by misting the foliage or placing the pot on a tray of wet pebbles.
Soil:
Use a well-draining, peaty soil mix in containers to ensure the roots remain healthy. The pot should have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Temperature & Humidity:
Schefflera arboricola prefers warm, humid environments. Indoors, keep temperatures above 60°F (15°C) in winter, and maintain high humidity levels by misting or using a humidifier. Outdoors, it’s hardy in USDA Zones 10-12 and should be sheltered from extreme heat and cold.
Growth Characteristics:
- Mature Height: 10-25 feet (outdoors), 3-6 feet (indoors)
- Mature Spread: 4-8 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Habit: Upright, bushy
- Foliage Description: Glossy, green, compound palmate leaves with 7-9 obovate-oblong leaflets
Care Requirements:
The umbrella plant is relatively low-maintenance. Regular pruning helps control its size and encourages bushier growth. Keep the leaves clean by wiping them with a damp sponge to remove dust, which also helps the plant breathe better. If growing outdoors in a container, consider moving the plant to a sheltered location during extreme weather conditions.
Fertilization:
Feed with a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce or skip fertilization in fall and winter when growth slows.
Best Locations for Growing Schefflera Arboricola:
This plant is ideal for indoor environments, bright corners, or as a focal point in a room. In warmer climates, it can be used as an outdoor specimen, hedge, or container plant in patios or garden landscapes.
Flowering:
While Schefflera arboricola can produce tiny red flowers in summer, followed by orange drupes that mature to black, this is rare in indoor environments.
Problems:
Be vigilant for common pests such as mealybugs, aphids, thrips, and spider mites, particularly in dry conditions. Regularly check for and remove yellow leaves, which can indicate overwatering or underwatering.
Toxicity:
Schefflera arboricola is toxic to pets and humans if ingested, so keep it out of reach of children and animals.